Zebre ends Ulster's winning streak with 27-23 triumph

Zebre 27-23 Ulster, Parma

Zebre came up with a strong second half performance as they defeated Ulster 27-23 in their Pro 14 encounter in Parma on Saturday.

This was Ulster's first defeat in five games this season as they slip to third in Conference B while Zebre's second win has taken them to the fourth position in Conference A.

Winger Andrew Trimble scored the opening try of the game that came in the 16th minute but Zebre were very much in the game as Carlo Canna kicked two penalties on either side.

Scrum-half John Cooney provided the visitors some breathing space with back to back penalties at the stroke of half time during which Les Kiss' men had a lead of seven points.

Soon after restart Zebre went on to level the scores following a touchdown from Giovanni Licata and a conversion from Canna and they carry forwarded their momentum with two more tries that came from Mattia Bellini and Renato Giammarioli in the 52nd and 71st minutes respectively.

A late try in the game from Darren Cave provided some hope for Ulster but they could not quite cross the line, succumbing to a four point defeat in the game - their first in the season.